Obituary: Donald W. Thummel

Donald William Thummel, 69, of Yukon, Okla., and formerly of Augusta, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2013.

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Butler County Times Gazette

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Posted May. 15, 2013 at 6:45 AM
Updated May 15, 2013 at 6:58 AM

Posted May. 15, 2013 at 6:45 AM
Updated May 15, 2013 at 6:58 AM

Yukon, Okla.

Donald William Thummel, 69, of Yukon, Okla., and formerly of Augusta, beloved husband, father and “Boppie”, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2013.

A rosary and wake service will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2013 in the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Yukon. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 16, 2013, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church with interment following at Yukon Cemetery.

Don was born Jan. 21, 1944 in Belpre, Kan. to Arnold and Lorraine (Klein) Thummel. He was raised in Augusta, where he met the love of his life Paula Elliott. They were married on Aug. 28, 1965 and together they began their family, the accomplishment he was most proud of in his life. He deeply loved his family and supported them with encouragement through every aspect of their lives.

Don's greatest passion was playing sports. A talented athlete in multiple sports took him from the Little League World Series where his team finished second, to high school where he earned letters as a star athlete earning him a college scholarship playing football at Ottawa University. Don's love for the competition and team spirit drove him to play semi-pro football and baseball even after he had begun his family. His love of playing the game was continued through his countless hours of coaching athletes over the last four decades. Don supported Yukon Athletics, where he served as President of the Homerun Club, a member of the Quarterback Club, the Yukon Jays Athletic Club, Surrey Hills Colts Athletics and many other booster clubs.

Don always demonstrated his devotion to God and Christianity. While a member of Epiphany Catholic Church, Oklahoma City, he served as a leader in many capacities. He and the family later joined St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, Yukon.

In 1979 Don began his long-esteemed career in oil field. Beyond the workplace Don served in the local International Association of Drilling Contractor's Chapter. Don was always known as a leader willing to share his knowledge and experience. In the multiple decades he worked in the oilfield, many young people looked up to and admired Don for his "on-the-job" experiences and oilfield character. To say he was a "mentor" is an understatement.